"The palace is quite big, I'm sure you won't be in the way," Akihana reassured the little girl, her own smile reflected in Darkness's. The decision to offer her a home at the royal palaces had been an impulsive one, Akihana wanting to do nothing more than protect the girl but now as the details were becoming clearer, it really was the best for the tiny brunette. For now, it was just semi harmful pranks that Darkness had to deal with but what if the Warrior's Sons found out about a girl of the church aspiring to be a ninja? Yes, this girl was safer at the palace than anywhere else given her affiliation to her church.

"Very well, you can go pack your things, and don't worry about not having enough. Things like clothes, food and necessities will all be given to you at the palace. Please only gather your personal belongings, anything that holds special meaning to you. I'll discuss with the Mother Superior about your change in accommodations from here on." With that, Akihana rose to her feet, walking to Darkness, she gave the girl a brief gentle hug.

"We'll work on that pretty smile of yours," she said as she let her go. "You need to show it more." With that, she would leave Darkness to gather her things and meet Akihana in the hallway while the blonde moved to speak to the Sister in charge, her case made more convincing by sweet layers of genjutsu. Darkness would be remembered fondly at this church should the girl ever choose to visit but it would also be made clear that from that moment on, the orphaned acolyte was under the protection of the crown.

Having spoken to the Mother Superior, Akihana waited quietly in the hall for Darkness.

Darkness went to get her things. but she didn't have much. she grabbed her katana, and then she grabbed a book. it was a small leather one. it was her mothers journal. she reads it every now and again. it calmed her. made her a bit happy learning about her mother. then she went to were aki was. and smiled at her, saying good bye to the sisters. darkness waited for aki to walk. she was thinking about what she said. her smile. she doesn't really smile that often did she? well she hoped living at the palace would change that. she would train more now. and would have people to meet. it made her feel happy. kind a needed. "so you sure its ok for me to live in the palace?" she asked. she was still excited but she was shocked she could be living in the palace. darkness fixed her messy hair. this was like a sure real dream for her. all these events, why would they happen to her. she didn't think too much about. what was happening was happening. it was exciting for her, and it made darkness's options more open. she could find someone to help her train, maybe a queens guard even, and then because she lived in the palace they would know her, learn to trust her, then being a queens guard would happen easier. all she needed to do now was get stronger.

"I don't suffer from my insanity, i enjoy every minute of it"

"The light of our hearts is even darker then black, the dim glimmer of hell itself."

"Before creation there is destruction, if my soul stands in the way, then I'll toss it aside. Yes, i have no choice but to move forward."

As the girl joined her, Akihana and Darkness bid a final farewell to the sisters before heading out under the cover of the thousand sparkling stars. The night was quiet at this hour save the little girl's reservations which the blonde did her best to put to rest. "The Queen is very generous," Akihana reassured her with a grin as they walked through the city back towards the palace, both garbed in dark travelling cloaks.

"Which is why you must work hard to make Her Grace proud. She believes in her shinobi and we must return her trust with respect and service to her and this city. You may live in the palace as long as you promise to serve our Queen and Country, Darkness."

The duo arrived at the palace about half an hour later, the journey spent mostly in silence. Upon reaching her own wing of the Palace, Akihana ushered the girl temporarily into a small side room. The servants would arrange proper rooms for the girl tomorrrow. "Get some sleep sweetheart, dawn will be upon us soon and we'll get all your things sorted but for now, you need rest." With that, Akihana bid the young brunette goodnight and went to check on her sleeping sons.

Darkness smiled as she got to the palace. it made her happy seeing it so close. she wondered around and get to her room. she organized things in her room to map everything, and placed her katana near her bed. in case she needed it fast. she remembered what aki said. this wont be her room but she will get one tomorrow. and she needed new clothes. this was perfect. darkness was living at the palace of the queen she wanted to sever. this was amazing. events should go well with her. no matter what darkness should be going up. which was amazing. but she laid in bed and slept for the night. awaiting for the next day to come.